OpsLens

North Korea ‘Not Afraid’ as it Plans New Nuclear Test, Says Ambassador in UK

North Korea’s ambassador to the UK has told Sky News his country will go ahead with its sixth nuclear test at the time and place of its leader’s choosing.

By Katie Stallard, Sky News:

In his first interview in the role, ambassador Choe Il said his country would continue its ballistic missile and nuclear programs in spite of intentional warnings against them, and dismissed UN sanctions as having no legal grounds, and no effect.

“In regards to the sixth nuclear test, I do not know the scheduled time for it, as I am here in the UK, not in my home country,” Mr Choe said.

“However, I can say that the nuclear test will be conducted at the place and time as decided by our supreme leader, Kim Jong-Un.”

Sky News asked the ambassador whether he was concerned about the prospect of US military action, which President Donald Trump’s administration has said is one of the options now being considered.

“If we were afraid of it, we probably would not have started conducting nuclear tests or launching ballistic missiles,” the ambassador said.

He added: “We are developing our nuclear strength to respond to that kind of attack by the US.

“If the US attack us, our military and people are fully ready to respond to any kind of attack.”

He said a pre-emptive strike on his country would not be possible because they would turn US assets in the region “to ashes” at the first sign of movement towards an attack.

“The US cannot attack us first,” the ambassador said, adding: “If the US moves an inch, then we are ready to turn to ashes any available strategic assets of the US.”

To read the rest of the article visit Sky News.